Preparation of Fine Alumina Powder

Powder synthesis using the alkoxy precursor technique exhibits processing flexibility not available in traditional high temperature solid-state reaction. With proper process control, impurities can be reduced to very low levels. The major distinction of the present work lies in the method of accomplishing the hydrolysis reaction. In the present case, water is not added to the system. Instead the metal alkoxide/alcohol solution is heated to a temperature at which water is formed through dehydration of the alcohol solvent, causing precipitation of the corresponding metal oxide (hydroxide). The present method provides a means of producing amorphous alumina.